Tunnel to Towers Climb - Raleigh, NC

What is a Tunnel To Towers Climb?
The Tunnel to Towers Climb Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation please visit t2t.org.

Will there be bail out floors?
Yes, the details on bailout floors will be announced shortly.

Will hallways be included in the climb distance?
No.

Is there a limit on how many people can register?
We are limiting the event to the first 200 so register early!

How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?
This depends on how many floors you climb, your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Elite Climbers may finish the climb in less than 10 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-40 minutes to finish.

Is this a timed climb?
Yes, you will be given a chip from the timing company. You will also be given a bib. Please make sure your bib number is visible on the front of you.

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?
Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way. Slower climbers should move to the right, allowing faster climbers to pass on the left.

I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear?
Yes, you may wear turnout gear. In fact, we encourage it! However, please do not bring scott packs.

What is an "Elite Climber”?
An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a climb to be no more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, only registered climbers may enter the stairs with cell phones. 

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and T-shirt)?
To be announced soon...

What time should I arrive at the building?
The event will begin with a ceremony at 8:00am (about ½ hr). Elite Climbers will begin 8:30-8:45 am. All participants must have their bibs in order to participate in the event. If you are picking up your bib and shirt the morning of, please allow enough time to do so before the event starts.

Is a bag check area provided?
Due to strict security regulations, we ask that you please DO NOT bring any bags, backpacks, purses and/or valuables with you to the event. There will be no bag check so please plan accordingly. We will check any small items that can fit in a sandwich size clear Ziploc bag i.e. car keys, cell phone. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

Will I receive an event T-shirt?
Yes. All participants who register in advance will receive an event T-shirt and a finisher's medal. We do not guarantee T-shirts for late registrations. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up location.

Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, but fundraising does help offset the costs of the event and goes straight the Tunnel to Towers several programs.

Where do the funds raised go?
The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home, Fallen First Responder Home & Gold Star Family Home programs. To learn more about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit t2t.org. 

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants in the T2T Tower Climb must be at least 10 years old on event day. Any exceptions can be discussed on a case to case basis.

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?
No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb, and includes a participant T-shirt. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?
No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution. We appreciate your understanding. 

How do I form a team?
You can form a team while you register online by selecting the option to "Create a Team" - you will become the Team Captain and will be asked to enter the Team Name. Those who wish to join your team can then register by selecting the option to "Join a Team." 

How do I join a team?
To join an existing team, select the "Join a Team" option, and select the Team name from the drop-down menu. Once you find the team you wish to join, select it, click “Next Step”, and proceed with registration. 

I am a Team Captain - can I enroll all members of my team at one time?
Unfortunately, group registration is not an option at this time. We ask that you register multiple participants as separate transactions. We appreciate the effort that goes into registering teams, and thank you for your patience! 

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?
Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member's registration fee. 

How do we register our company team if paying by check?
We will provide the Team Captain with a code that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires. Please contact [email protected] if you plan to pay by company check.

Can I still fundraise beyond the date of the climb?
YES! The amount raised for incentive prizes will be determined at 6 weeks post event, but we encourage everyone to raise additional funds through December.